Existing research has demonstrated that college freshmen sometimes experience notable depression, and a significant correlation has been observed between depressive state and helicopter parenting. However, the precise mechanisms through which helicopter parenting influences depression in college freshmen remain unclear. To elucidate these pathways, this study enlisted 931 college freshmen who participated in a comprehensive survey. The survey instruments included questionnaires that assessed helicopter parenting, short video addiction, the fear of missing out (FoMO), and depression. We examined the relationship between helicopter parenting and depression using analytical techniques developed by Hayes (2013). The findings revealed that helicopter parenting is intimately linked to depression among college freshmen. This association manifests not only as a direct correlation, but also as an indirect aggravation of depressive symptoms mediated by short video addiction and FoMO. While helicopter parenting is associated with short video addiction and depression, as well as FoMO, its primary association is with FoMO and depression, rather than with short video addiction. This study enhanced our understanding of the detrimental effects of helicopter parenting, clarified its relationship with depression, and offered valuable guidance for mitigating depressive symptoms in college students affected by helicopter parenting. For college freshmen, maintaining autonomy, reducing reliance on short videos, and adopting a more rational approach to anxiety triggered by missed positive events can be effective strategies for alleviating depression, especially in the context of controlling helicopter parenting. Nevertheless, given the cross-sectional nature of this study, caution is warranted when interpreting the causal relationship between helicopter parenting and depression among college freshmen.
